Sign 5: Bloody Stool
Blood in stool, medically termed hematochezia or melena depending on its appearance, is indeed a cause for concern. The image of bright red or tarry black stools can send alarm bells ringing for many, and rightly so. It’s not an everyday occurrence and, when connected to volvulus, indicates severe complications.
Volvulus, as we know, refers to the twisting of the intestine. This not only obstructs the passage of food but can also severely affect the blood supply to the impacted segment. When blood vessels get pinched off, it can lead to ischemia – a reduction in blood supply, which in turn causes tissue damage. As the affected tissues start to degrade and bleed, they mix with the stool, giving it a bloody consistency.
The appearance of the bloody stool can vary. Bright red blood usually suggests that the bleeding is occurring closer to the rectum or the end of the colon. In contrast, dark, tarry stools, often likened to the consistency of coffee grounds, hint at bleeding from further up the digestive tract. The latter can have a particularly pungent odor, making it even more discernible.
Bloody stools are not just about visual shock; they represent a deeper underlying issue. Persistent bleeding can lead to anemia or a significant drop in blood pressure. Additionally, if the compromised blood supply is not restored promptly, it can lead to necrosis or death of the intestinal tissue, a life-threatening situation. (5)
